What is Cafe Tola I's health inspection score?

Cafe Tola I has a SafeDine safety score of 94 out of 100 (Grade A). This score is calculated from official government health inspection data, factoring in violation severity, recency, and trends.

When was Cafe Tola I last inspected?

Cafe Tola I was last inspected on January 16, 2026. SafeDine tracks official health department inspections and updates scores automatically.

How many health violations does Cafe Tola I have?

Cafe Tola I has 33 total violations across 7 inspections on record. Violations are categorized by severity: high priority, intermediate, and basic.

Is Cafe Tola I safe to eat at?

Yes, Cafe Tola I has an excellent safety record with a score of 94/100. This indicates strong compliance with health and safety standards.

What type of cuisine does Cafe Tola I serve?

Cafe Tola I serves Cafe cuisine. Visit their SafeDine page for safety scores, inspection history, and more details.

Official Health Record

Cafe Tola I

Name: Cafe Tola I
Address: 3612 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago, 60613
Rating: 94

3612 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago

Last Inspected: 1/16/2026

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0Excellent

Cafe•Lakeview

Ranked #82 of 979 in LakeviewBetter than 96% of cafe restaurants

Improving

7 inspections

Last: Jan 16, 2026

high confidence

Directions Order

Inspections

29%

Clean Rate

4.7

Avg Violations

3 months ago

Last Inspected

Top Concerns

Most common issues from recent inspections

HandwashingHigh Priority

Employees not properly washing hands — contamination risk

Cross-contamination

Raw and cooked foods not properly separated

Pest issuesHigh Priority

Evidence of pests found during inspection

Plumbing issues

Plumbing or waste disposal problems

Sanitation

Equipment or surfaces not properly cleaned/sanitized

Score Analysis

How the SafeDine score is calculated

Live Data Feed

Starting Score

100

Total Deductions

-6

Final Score

Impact Breakdown

High Priority

-0 pts

Direct health hazards • 10 pts each

Intermediate

-0 pts

Potential hazards • 5 pts each

Basic

-1 pts

Best practices • 2 pts each

Inspection Timeline

+6 pts

100

Latest

100% weight

2nd

60% weight

100

3rd

30% weight

How scoring works: Every restaurant starts at 100 points. Points are deducted for violations found during inspections.

Recent inspections are weighted more heavily. High priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact.

Location

3612 N SOUTHPORT AVE, Chicago, IL 60613

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Violation Timeline

Mar 2023

2 inspections

3 high priority

1 intermediate

7 basic

Mar

Aug 2024

1 inspections

3 high priority

5 basic

Mar 2025

1 inspections

4 high priority

1 intermediate

6 basic

Mar

Apr 2025

1 inspections

Jan 2026

2 inspections

1 high priority

2 basic

Jan

Inspection History

7 records on file

3 Canvass Re-Inspection4 Canvass

Jan 26

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionLatestCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Jan 26

Canvass InspectionFail

1 High2 Basic

3 total1 risk factor

81/100inspection score

−14 pts

High Priority (1)

−10 pts

2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
NO ORIGINAL AND VALID CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATE WAS POSTED NOR PROVIDED ON-SITE FOR THE PRESENT MANAGER ON DUTY WHILE TCS FOODS ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED THAT A CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER MUST BE ON SITE WHEN TCS FOOD IS BEING PREPARED OR SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012. CITATION ISSUED.

Basic (2)

−4 pts

48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
OBSERVED NO QAC CHEMICAL TEST STRIPS ON THE PREMISES TO MEASURE THE SANITIZER CONCENTRATION AT THE 3-COMPARTMENT SINK. MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
56ADEQUATE VENTILATION & LIGHTING; DESIGNATED AREAS USED−2
THE VENTILATION FAN IN THE WASHROOM IS NOT OPERATIONAL. MUST PROVIDE A WORKING VENTILATION FAN INSIDE OF THE WASHROOM.

Base deductions−14 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Apr 25

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionCleanPass

No violations

100/100inspection score

Mar 25

Canvass InspectionFail

4 High1 Med6 Basic

11 total2 risk factors

33/100inspection score

−57 pts

High Priority (4)

−40 pts

1PERSON IN CHARGE PRESENT, DEMONSTRATES KNOWLEDGE, AND PERFORMS DUTIESRisk Factor−10
THE PERSON IN CHARGE DOES NOT HAVE CITY OF CHICAGO SANITATION CERTIFICATE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION.
2CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION CERTIFICATERisk Factor−10
OBSERVED NO CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE MANAGER ON SITE WHEN FOOD ARE BEING PREPARED AND SERVED SUCH AS CHICKEN EMPANADAS, BEEF EMPANADAS BEEF TACOS ETC. INSTRUCTED ABOVE THAT CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGER HAS TO BE ON SITE AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-012 CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AVAILABLE AT THE EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK LOCATED IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE SOAP AT ALL HAND SINKS AT ALL TIMES. MANAGER PROVIDED HAND SOAP DURING INSPECTION. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AVAILABLE AT THE REAR EXPOSED HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(C). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE VIOLATION

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

38INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT−5
OBSERVED OUTER OPENINGS NOT PROTECTED. OBSERVED FRONT EXIT SIDE DOOR NOT RODENT PROOF. OBSERVED BIG OPENING ON BOTTOM DOOR COVERED WITH TYPE. MUST MAKE DOOR TIGHT FITTING TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.

Basic (6)

−12 pts

40PERSONAL CLEANLINESS−2
OBSERVED EMPLOYEE SERVING AND PREPARING FOODS WITHOUT WEARING HAIR RESTRAINT. MUST WEAR HAIR RESTRAINT AT ALL TIMES FOOD IS BEING PREPARED AND SERVED.
41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
OBSERVED WIPING CLOTHS STORED ON TOP OF 3-COMPARTMENT SINK AND FRONT COUNTER AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION WHEN NOT IN USE.
43IN-USE UTENSILS: PROPERLY STORED−2
OBSERVED ICE SCOOPS STORED INSIDE ICE BIN IN FRONT PREP AREA. MUST PROPERLY STORE ICE SCOOPS IN A CLEAN CONTAINER TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE PROVIDED IN THE UNISEX EMPLOYEE/CUSTOMER WASHROOM. MUST PROVIDE COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE AND MAINTAIN.
57ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING−2
OBSERVED NO PROOF OF FOOD HANDLER TRAINING OR CERTIFICATES FOR ALL REQUIRED EMPLOYEES. MUST PROVIDE PROOF AND MAINTAIN.
60PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATION CORRECTED−2
OBSERVED PREVIOUS CORE VIOLATIONS NOT CORRECTED FROM INSPECTION REPORT#2600757 ON 08/27/2024. #39. OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE BOXES AND OIL CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTCUTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR. #53. NOTED THE BATHROOM DOOR NOT SELF CLOSING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE A SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT THE DOOR AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-42-090 CITATION ISSUED.

Base deductions−57 pts

Risk factor bonus (2× +5)−10 pts

Aug 24

Canvass InspectionPass w/ Conditions

3 High5 Basic

8 total1 risk factor

55/100inspection score

−40 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

3MANAGEMENT, FOOD EMPLOYEE AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEE; KNOWLEDGE, RESPONSIBILITIES AND REPORTINGRisk Factor−10
NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING ON SITE. INSTRUCTED FACILITY TO ESTABLISH AN APPROPRIATE EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY/TRAINING SYSTEM AND MAINTAIN VERIFIABLE DOCUMENTS ON SITE FOR EACH EMPLOYEE. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010, CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES AT EACH HANDWASHING SINK. MANAGEER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES PUT SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-030(c). CITATION ISSUED.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
OBSERVED NO PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAOP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION, 7-38-030(c). CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.

Basic (5)

−10 pts

39CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY−2
OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE BOXES AND OIL CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTCUTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL ITEMS AT LEAST 6 INCHES FROM FLOOR.
47FOOD & NON-FOOD CONTACT SURFACES CLEANABLE, PROPERLY DESIGNED, CONSTRUCTED & USED−2
OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED TO LINE SHELVED IN REAR PREPARATION AREA. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDE A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE REPLACEMENT.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
OBSERVED BATHROOM DOOR TO NOT BE SELF CLOSING AT TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRCUTED TO PROVIDE SELF CLOSING DEVICE AT BATHROOM DOOR.
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
OBSERVED HEAVILY DAMAGED FLOOR TILES CREATING HOLE IN FLOOR SPANNING AT LEAST 4 TILES IN FRONT PREPARATION AREA. OBSERVED BROKEN WALL DIRECTLY ABOVE RIGHT SIDE OF UTILITY SINK. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR BOTH DAMAGES AND MAINTAIN.
58ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED−2
OBSERVED MANAGER PRESENT WITHOUT ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATE AVAILABLE. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR EACH MANAGER ON SITE.

Base deductions−40 pts

Risk factor bonus (1× +5)−5 pts

Mar 23

Canvass Re-Inspection InspectionPass

3 Basic

3 total

94/100inspection score

−6 pts

Basic (3)

−6 pts

53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY VENTILATION UNIT AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−6 pts

Mar 23

Canvass InspectionFail

3 High1 Med4 Basic

8 total

57/100inspection score

−43 pts

High Priority (3)

−30 pts

10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO SOAP AT HAND WASH SINK OF THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL TIMES. MANAGEER IMMEDIATELY HAD EMPLOYEES PUT SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS AT HAND WASHING SINK. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C).
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED NO PAPER TOWELS AT REAR HAND WASH SINK PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE SAOP AND PAPER TOWELS AT ALL HAND WASHING SINKS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-030(C). CITATION ISSUED. CONSOLIDATED WITH ABOVE CITATION.
10ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE−10
NOTED HAND WASH SINK AT THE REAR FOOD PREP AREA IN POOR REPAIRS. NO HOT RUNNING WATER WHEN THE HOT WATER FAUCET IS TURNED ON. INSTRUCTED TO ALWAYS HAND HOT AND COLD RUNNING WATER AT THE HAND WASH SINK AT ALL TIMES WITH SOAP AND PAPER TOWELS. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY REPAIRED THE SINK. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN. PRIORITY #7-38-030(C).

Intermediate (1)

−5 pts

21PROPER HOT HOLDING TEMPERATURES−5
NOTED INTERNAL TEMPERATURE OF THE FOLLOWING TCS FOOD ITEMS INSIDE HOT HOLDING UNIT TO BE IMPROPER:-CHORIZO 127.2F, PORK 128.9F, BEEF 130.6F. NO TEMPERATURE LOG AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. MANAGER IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY DISPOSED OF 10 LBS OF PRODUCTS WORTH $189.00 THROUGH DENATURING PROCESS. PRIORITY VIOLATION #7-38-005..

Basic (4)

−8 pts

41WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED−2
NOTED DIRTY WIPING CLOTHS ON PREP TABLES AT FRONT PREP AREA NOT PROPERLY STORED. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL WASHCLOTHS IN A SANITIZING SOLUTION ESPECIALLY WHEN NOT IN USE
48WAREWASHING FACILITIES: INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & USED; TEST STRIPS−2
NOTED NO SANITIZER TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION. INSTRUCTED TO HAVE A TEST STRIP KIT ON SITE AT ALL TIMES TO PROPERLY MONITOR THE STRENGTH OF THE SANITIZER. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION #7-38-005. CITATION ISSUED.
53TOILET FACILITIES: PROPERLY CONSTRUCTED, SUPPLIED, & CLEANED−2
NOTED WASH ROOMS ON PREMISE WITH GARBAGE RECEPTACLES AND NO LIDS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE TRASH CANS WITH LIDS AT ALL WOMEN WASH ROOMS AND UNISEX WASH ROOMS
55PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN−2
NOTED DIRTY AND DUSTY VENTILATION UNIT AT THE FRONT PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED TO DETAIL CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.

Base deductions−43 pts

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Data source: Chicago CDPH · Official government inspection records

Grading System

85 – 100

Excellent

70 – 84

Good

Below 70

Fair

About SafeDine Scores

Scores are calculated using official government inspection data. High Priority violations (direct health hazards) have the greatest impact, followed by Intermediate and Basic violations. Community reviews can adjust the score by up to 5 points when 3+ reviews are submitted.

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